Chicago winters are hard on wood. Snow sits on the boards for weeks, melts, refreezes and works its way into every crack. A little prep in the fall goes a long way.
1. Clear it off
Sweep off leaves and pine needles, especially between the boards. Wet debris holds moisture against the wood all winter and leads to rot and stains. Move planters and furniture, or at least lift them off the boards so water can drain.
2. Walk it and look closely
Look for soft spots, split boards, popped nails or screws, and wobbly rails or balusters. Press a screwdriver into anything that looks dark or spongy: if it sinks in easily, that wood needs to be replaced. Loose rails are a safety problem on icy days.
3. Seal or paint before the cold sets in
Peeling paint and bare wood soak up water. Paints and sealers have a minimum temperature on the can, and they need dry days to cure, so in Chicago that work has to happen before late fall. If you missed the window, plan it for spring.
4. Shovel the right way
Use a plastic shovel and push in the direction of the boards, not across them. Be careful with de-icers: some can damage wood and finishes, so pick one labeled safe for wood decks.
5. Check the stairs and the ledger
Stairs take the most traffic. Make sure treads are solid and the handrail is tight. Where the deck meets the house, look for water stains or rot.
When to call
Soft boards, rotted trim, loose rails or peeling paint are all things we fix. See how we repainted a raised deck and two stair runs, then text a photo to (773) 886-5612.